My bladder was the first tip off that something was wrong with me. I had been referred to a urologist due to chronic infections and hematuria (blood in the urine). She began treatment right away, but the damage had been done. It was non functional; now I use a catheter. It was this urologist that took a look at my curled up feet and said there was something wrong. She referred me to an internist. The internist then referred me to a neurologist. He found one small abnormality with my first MRI of the brain. He performed a quick exam and referred me to a neurologist at the med center who was a specialist.

That neuro ran the gamete of tests. In fact, he ran some twice, three times, even four times. It took a year and 1/2 and he still couldn't come up with a diagnosis. He found problematic results but couldn't put it all together. Finally frustrated I went to St Louis and meet with another Neurologist, my third. At that point my Spasticity had gotten so bad I could not control my leg. It was jumping and swinging as I sat on the table. He looked through my medical file. He stepped out of the exam room and asked his associate to join us. He looked at my leg and told me I had Dystonia. He told me I needed a brace, Botox injections and a Movement Disorders Clinic. The other Doc agreed. I had no idea what Dystonia was. My Mom and I hit the Web soon as we got to her house. Dystonia is a bad enough diagnosis but often is an indicator of other disease.

I went back to Omaha and hit the yellow pages looking for a different neuro. The guy I was seeing may have been the best in Omaha, but he was either milking me for money or he wasn't the best after all. It had been a year and 1/2 and still no diagnosis from him. I found three neuro docs in the yellow pages that could administer Botox. I made an appointment with all three. My current doc was the first to see me. She gave me an exam, took my records, and sent me to an orthotics place to get a brace. She was great. During my second appointment with her she began Botox injections and diagnosed me with CRPS type II stage 3. Again, I had no idea what CRPS was. My husband and I hit the Web when we got home. I had this thing far too long. I had permanent contracture of my left foot/ankle. My toes were curled and my foot twisted inward. I was walking on the outside of my foot. I had curly toes on the right foot too. My bladder was broken. Test after test showed abnormal results. Finally I found someone that could help me and it was too late. She started me on a variety of meds. Physical therapy was in the pool. We still keep trying; we haven't given up completely ... Yet.

Don't get me wrong. I don't blame any of my Doctors for any of this. I ignored it initially. I ignored the bladder infections,. I ignored the curly toes and twisted foot. I'm not dumb. It came on gradually. I was just too busy. I didn't have time to be sick.

Answer to your question: Yes, my bladder was/is affected.